Members of Bethlehem's Team Identity discuss appearance on Disney's 'Shake It Up Dance Off'

View full sizePhoto Courtesy of Disney ChannelBethlehem's Team Identity were recently chosen as finalists for Disney Channel's "Make Your Mark: Shake It Up Dance Off."

The Mouse House is getting its dance on with the help of three Bethlehem teenagers.

Bethlehem-based dance trio Team Identity was recently announced as finalists on the Disney Channel's "Make Your Mark: Shake It Up Dance Off." The show premieres Oct. 19, with the finalists being announced Oct. 21.

"Shake It Up" is a scripted comedy series that follows two friends (Bella Thorne, Zendaya) who star as background dancers on a local television dancing show.

"It's a different experience. It's exciting and fun and surprising," says team member Jay Morales, 15, of Bethlehem. "You dream of it and then you're living it. It's like living your own dream."

Morales and his teammates, Faustino Garcia, 16, and Xavier Harper, 15, both of Bethlehem, say the group's audition video beat out 90,000 other dance teams to earn their spot on the show. Morales says the trio tried out last year, but didn't make the cut.

"Dancing in front of the cameras was nerve-wracking, but after a little while we got used to it," Morales says. "We got comfortable and adapted to it pretty quickly."

Morales says the three dancers, currently sophomores at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, have been friends since the sixth grade. He says each member danced on his own before teaming up in 2008.

"He (Bieber) never gave up on his dreams and that's what we're doing now, never giving up and doing big things," Garcia says.

Morales says he was sleeping when he received a phone call from Garcia informing him the group had been picked as finalists to compete on the show. "When my parents came home I started dancing a little. They were a little confused (at first)," Morales recalls. "I told them I heard from Faustino that we made it (on to the show). They're as excited as I was," he says.

"When we found out, it was overwhelming," Morales says. "I couldn't believe it at first. It was a big accomplishment making it to the next round."

Morales says the group plans on watching the show together. He says they don't know who wins and will find out with the rest of those who tune in.

The finals will be hosted by Roshon Fegan, of "Shake It Up" and "Dancing With the Stars" fame, and will feature appearances by Bieber, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas and "Jessie" star Debby Ryan, according to a news release. "Austin & Ally" TV star Ross Lynch and "Shake It Up" cast members Thorne and Zendaya will perform.

The winner will then go on to dance in an episode of Disney's "Shake It Up" series, according to the release. "Shake It Up" airs Saturdays and Sundays on the Disney Channel.